If you run a shop floor in San Diego County—National City, Kearny Mesa, or La Mesa—you don’t have time for security theory. You need steady tools that keep jobs running, quotes going out, and auditors satisfied. When folks ask me, “Peter, what’s the difference between antivirus and an internet security suite—and which should we use?” I give a plain answer:

Antivirus is your seatbelt. An internet security suite is your seatbelt plus airbags and lane‑assist. The right choice depends on your risk, your budget, and what your cyber insurance underwriter expects to see.

What antivirus actually does (and what it doesn’t)

Antivirus still matches files against known “signatures,” but modern engines also watch behavior to catch suspicious activity—encrypted sprees, registry hooks, and more. Many tools check the cloud in real time to block known threats before they write to disk. It’s a strong, local-first defense focused on what happens on the device.

What an internet security suite adds (and when it matters)

• Firewall management to limit unauthorized access
• Web/DNS filtering to block malicious sites
• Email scanning/anti‑phishing to stop impersonation and poisoned attachments
• Anti‑spyware to prevent data snooping
• Data protection features like encryption or password vaults (varies by vendor)

Antivirus is reactive—files that land get scanned. Internet security is proactive—it tries to stop bad links and emails before anyone clicks.

The gap both still have: fileless and credential‑based attacks

Modern breaches often start with credential theft, OAuth abuse, or script‑based activity that never drops a classic “file.” That’s why insurers and auditors look for EDR/MDR—real‑time detection with the ability to respond by killing processes or isolating hosts. 2025 underwriting checklists call out MFA, EDR, and immutable/off‑site backups as non‑negotiables.

So, which one should you choose?

• Good: Next‑gen antivirus + patching + router/firewall basics
• Better: Internet security suite (web, email, spyware protections) + MFA
• Best: Managed EDR/MDR + email security + DNS filtering + immutable backups + least‑privilege + training + a tested IR plan

Real‑world proof

“NTG is the whole package.” — Dr. Candy Lewis, Harmony Animal Hospital.

“Trusted IT partner across three time zones… real‑time problem solving.” — Joshua Carr, President/CEO, California Marine Cleaning, Inc.

“Headquarters burned down… back up the next day.” — Elliot LeGros, VP/Owner, Westflex, inc.

“Streamlined systems… minimal downtime… direct access to the owner.” — Cole Dick, GM, Pacific Crest Services.

Antivirus vs. Internet Security: a plain comparison

Antivirus: blocks malware and suspicious behavior; limited with credential theft and scripting attacks.

Internet Security Suite: adds web, email, firewall, and anti‑spyware protections; still benefits from EDR for fileless threats.

EDR/MDR: detects and responds in real time; best aligned to cyber insurance expectations.

Why your cyber insurance underwriter cares

Insurers increasingly expect MFA, EDR, immutable off‑site backups, security awareness training, and a documented IR plan. Without them, premiums rise or coverage is denied. We provide evidence—screenshots, deployment and restore reports—so renewals go smoothly.

Better security cuts risk and often cuts premiums.

Quick checklist: deciding between antivirus and internet security

• High email/web exposure → choose internet security suite
• Controlled network → strong antivirus today, plan for EDR
• Sensitive data/CUI → suite + EDR/MDR, no question
• Always: MFA, tested backups, and a working IR plan

10 buying questions to ask

• Does the suite include DNS filtering and phishing protection for Microsoft 365?
• Can I add EDR later without a platform change?
• Who watches alerts at 2 a.m.—my team or yours?
• Will you provide insurance evidence: MFA/EDR/deployment and restore tests?
• How do you handle admin accounts and privilege separation?
• Do you include security awareness and phishing drills?
• What RTO/RPO will you commit to, and when do we test it?
• How do you protect OT networks and CAD/IP?
• Is email security included?
• What’s the change window so production isn’t interrupted?

A simple 30‑60‑90 day rollout

Days 1–30 (stabilize & prove)

Deploy suite or reinforce AV, enforce MFA, tune web filters to warn, and run a restore test with RTO/RPO published.

Days 31–60 (tighten & train)

Turn warnings into blocks, add email impersonation rules, run a phishing simulation, and finalize a 1‑page IR plan.

Days 61–90 (detect & respond)

Roll out EDR/MDR to critical endpoints, integrate alerts, and schedule monthly restore tests. Segment OT/IT during change windows if you’re a manufacturer.

Final word

Antivirus and internet security are layers. If you’re choosing today, pick the suite for broader coverage and budget for EDR/MDR. Pair it with MFA, tested backups, and a simple IR plan. You’ll sleep better, your crew will keep running, and your insurer will have fewer questions.

Next step: Book a 20‑minute Plant & Policy Check. I’ll show you where you stand and how to get insurance‑ready without drama.